A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing on light on the retina, at the back of the eye, resulting in loss of vision. It is not a film that grows over the surface of the eye. No one is exactly sure what causes a cataract, but it is known that the chemical changes within the lens cause it to become cloudy. This is often thought of as part of the natural aging process, but it may also result from heredity, an injury or disease. Cataracts are most often found in persons over age 55, but are also occasionally found in younger persons, even newborns. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, but often at different rates. Some cataracts develop slowly over a period of years and others form rapidly within a few months. In a comprehensive eye examination, your doctor of optometry can determine whether or not you have cataracts. Cataracts vary in their development from person to person, so the symptoms may also vary. Here are some common symptoms that people experience: Increasing haziness causing blurred or distorted vision…colors may seem yellowed The appearance of dark spots or shadows that seem to move when the eye moves. An increasing need for more light to see clear. A tendency to become more nearsighted because of increasing density of the lens. Double vision A gradual loss of color vision A stage where it is easier to see without glasses… second sight Currently, there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from forming or to make the cloudy lens clear after a cataract has developed. Your doctor of optometry can prescribe changes in your glasses or contact lenses to help you see more clearly as your cataract develops. Ultimately, if your cataract impairs your daily activities, your optometrist can refer you to an eye surgeon who may recommend surgical removal of the cataract. The surgery is relatively uncomplicated and has a 95% success rate. When your eye’s natural lens is removed during cataract surgery, some type of treatment is usually needed to achieve clear. Comfortable vision. Intraocular lenses, contact lenses and glasses are all common forms of post-cataract vision correction. Intraocular lens implants are inserted at the time of surgery and serve as “new lenses”. Daily wear and continuous wear contact lenses have also become increasingly popular as post-cataract vision correction. Whatever the treatment, regular optometric follow up care is important in making sure you maintain good vision and eye health.

Your eyelids are very important. They do much to protect your eyes from approaching objects and irritating particles in the air. When you blink, your eyelids help to remove foreign objects and distribute tears, which lubricate the eyes. But, sometimes your eyelids can have problems and need care. Two common conditions that affect your eyelids are chalazia and styes. A chalazion results from a blockage of one or more of the small oil producing glands (meibomiam glands) that are found in the upper and lower eyelids. These blockages trap the oil produced by the glands and cause a lump on the eyelids that is usually about a size of a pea. These are usually relatively painless. If the chalazion becomes infected, the eyelids can become swollen, inflamed and more painful. Styes are often confused with chalazia. Styes are infections or abscesses of an eyelid gland near an eyelash root or follicle. They generally occur nearer to the edge, or margin of the eyelid than do chalazia, where they form a red, sore lump similar to a boil or pimple. In some cases, both chalazia and styes may come to a head and drain on their own without treatment. However, in most instances, they do not. Applying hot compresses and antibiotic eye drops may treat a chalazion. In some cases, steroid drugs may be injected into or adjacent to the site of the chalazion. A chalazion may also be treated by surgical incision and drainage when necessary. Styes may also be treated with hot compresses. Frequently, antibiotic and/or steroid eye drops or ointments may be needed. Chalazia and styes most often respond to well treatment. If left untreated, however, they can be uncomfortable, unattractive and can lead to other problems. Occasionally, chalazia and styes recur. If this happens too frequently, your doctor of optometry may recommend additional tests to determine if other health problems may be contributing to their development. Directions for application of hot compresses: Wash your hands thoroughly Moisten a clean washcloth with hot water Close eyes and place the washcloth on the eyelid for about 10-15mins Remoisten washcloth as necessary to keep hot Repeat at least 4times a day

The natural tears that your eyes produce are composed of three layers: The outer oily layer The middle watery layer The inner mucus layer Dry eye is the term used to describe eyes that do not produce enough tears or tears with the proper chemical composition in any of these layers. Dry eye is most often a result of eyes’ natural aging process. Most peoples’ eyes tend to become drier as they age, but the degree of dryness varies and some people have more problems than others. In addition to age, dry eye can result from: Problems with normal blinking Certain medications like antihistamines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants Environmental factors like a dry climate and exposure to wind General health problems like arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome Chemical or thermal burns to the eye Dry eye symptoms are often different in different people, but those whose tear production is inadequate commonly experience the following: Irritated, scratchy, dry or uncomfortable eyes Redness of the eyes A burning sensation of the eyes A feeling of a foreign body in the eye Blurred vision Excessive watering as the eyes try to comfort an overly dry eye Eyes that seem to have lost the normal clear glassy luster If untreated, dry eye can be more than just irritating or uncomfortable. Excessive dry eye can damage eye tissue and possibly scar the cornea, the transparent front covering of the eye, impairing vision. Contact lens wear may be more difficult due to the possibility of increased irritation and a greater chance of eye infection. If you are experiencing the symptoms of dry eye, your doctor of optometry can perform “dry eye” tests using diagnostic instruments to give a highly magnified view and special dyes to evaluate the quality, amount and distribution of tears. Your optometrist will also need to know about your every day activities, your general health, medications you are taking and about environmental factors that may be causing your symptoms. Unfortunately, dry eye cannot be cured, but your eye’s sensitivity can be lessened and treatment prescribed so that your eyes remain healthy and your vision is not affected. Possible treatments include: Frequent blinking to spread tears over the eye, especially when using a steady focus for an extended period Changing environmental factors like avoiding wind and dust and increasing the level of humidity. Using artificial tear solutions Using moisturizing ointment, especially at bedtime Other forms of treatment: Insertion of small plugs in the corner of the eyes to slow drainage and loss of tears. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended Whatever treatment is prescribed for you. It is very important that you follow your doctor of optometry’s instructions carefully. Dry eye does not go away, but by working together you and your doctor ca n keep your eyes healthy and protect your good vision.

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the passages that allow fluid in the eye to drain become clogged or blocked. This results in the amount of fluid in the eye building up and causing increased pressure inside the eye. This increased pressure damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is the main carrier of vision information to the brain. Damage to it results in less information sent to the brain. The exact cause of glaucoma is not known and, it cannot currently be prevented. It is one of the leading causes of blindness. But, if detected at an early stage and treated promptly, glaucoma can usually be controlled with little or no further vision loss. That’s why regular optometric examinations are so important. People of all ages can develop glaucoma, but it most frequently occurs in people. Who are over age 40 Who have a family history of glaucoma Who are very nearsighted Who are diabetic Who are black Of the different types of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly, without warning signs or symptoms. This type of glaucoma is more common among blacks than whites. It can cause damage and lead to blindness more quickly in blacks, making regular eye examinations, including tests for glaucoma, particularly important for blacks over age 35. Another type, acute angle – closure glaucoma, may be accompanied by: blurred vision a loss of side vision Appearance of colored rings around lights pain or redness in the eyes Regular eye examinations are important means of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, and will include: Tonometry – a simple and painless measurement of the pressure in the eye. Ophthalmoscopy – an examination of the back of the eye to observe the health of the optic nerve. Visual field test – a check for the development of abnormal blinds spots. Glaucoma can usually be treated effectively by using eye drops or other medicines. In some cases surgery may be necessary. Unfortunately, any loss of vision from glaucoma

The sun, a ball of fire some 93 million miles away, supports all life on our planet. But, its life giving rays also pose dangers. The principle danger posed by the sun is in the form of ultraviolet radiation, or for short, UV radiation. UV radiation is a component of solar energy, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers. You are probably aware of the danger posed by UV radiation to your skin, but you may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm your eyes and affect your vision as well. There are three types of UV radiation. One type, called UV-C, is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat. That’s not true of the other two types, UV-A and UV-B. More and more scientific evidence is showing that exposure to both UV-A and UV-B can have adverse long and short-term effects on your eyes and vision. If you are exposed, unprotected, to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis. Like ”sunburn of the eye” it may be painful and you may have symptoms including red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can be more serious. A number of scientific studies and research growing out of the U.S space program have shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years may increase your chance of developing a cataract and may cause damage to the retina, the nerve –rich lining of your eye that is used for seeing. This damage to the retina is usually not reversible. The effects of UV radiation are cumulative. This means the longer your eye are exposed to UV radiation, the greater the risk of developing such conditions as cataracts or macular degeneration in later life. Researchers have not yet specifically determined how much exposure to UV radiation will cause how much damage, but a good recommendation is to wear quality sunglasses that offer good protection and a hat or cap with a wide brim whenever you are working outdoors, participating in outdoor sports, taking a walk, running errands or doing anything in the sun. Don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults. UV Radiation Checklist If one or more of the following factors fits you, you could be in a higher risk category for damage to your eyes: Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors? Do you spend time mountain climbing or at the beach? Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor? Do you live in the mountains? Are you a welder, medical technologist or do you work in the graphic arts or in the manufacture of electronic circuit boards? Do you take prescription or over the counter drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV radiation (check with your optometrist, pharmacist or physician)? Have you had cataract surgery in one or both eyes? Be sure to see your doctor of optometry once a year for a thorough eye examination. It is a good way to monitor your eye health, maintain good vision and keep track of your UV radiation protection needs as well as new advances in that protection.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Redness, swelling, styes, cysts, and flaky crusts at the eyelid margin characterize it. Symptoms include scratchy, swollen, tender, and irritated eyes. Blepharitis can be caused by various bacteria and be chronic or acute in presentation. People with skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema are more prone to have blepharitis flare ups. Poor facial hygiene can also be a contributing factor. An eye doctor will diagnose the specific type of blepharitis during an eye exam. Treatment options are abundant and include over the counter remedies and prescription eyedrops and ointments. Occasionally, minor eyelid surgery is necessary to remove cysts when topical treatments are unsuccessful. Blepharitis, in some cases, requires ongoing treatment along with eyelid hygiene to maintain eye comfort and appearance.

At Broadvision Eye Clinic our primary concern is your quality of vision. Our comprehensive services, unsurpassed technology and professionalism make us your preferred eye care provider. Our aim is to ensure that each of our valued patients receive a comfortable and comprehensive eye care. Our services include but not limited to: Taking a complete medical history Internal and external eye examination to detect glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease and signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. Carefully analyzing your vision to provide the most accurate prescriptionTreatment of eye diseases such as conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Dry eye testing and treatment. Pediatric evaluations that are designed for children's special vision needs. Contact lens examinations. When Do You Need An Exam? Some people associate an eye examination with getting new glasses or contact lenses, but you need an eye exam on a regular basis to check the health of your eyes and spot problems early. One of the goals of Broadvision Eye Clinic is to provide examinations and treatment that prevents vision problems from developing into serious impairments.